Patriotic calendars sold in major malls

As people around the country begin to spread their American spirit, the major regional shopping center companies have united in a charitable campaign -- The United We Stand fundraiser -- to benefit the families of New York City Police Department, Fire Department and Port Authority officials. \nThroughout the campaign, "United We Stand" 2002 calendars, featuring images of the patriotic spirit throughout the country, available for $10, and flag lapel pins available for $3, have been sold at College Mall and other state malls. \nThe donations benefit officers including: the EMS Memorial Foundation, Patrolmen's Benefit Association Widows' and Children's Fund, Port Authority Police World Trade Disaster Survivors' Fund and Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows' and Children's Fund. \nThere are more than 415 malls in 44 states, across the country, as well as Washington, D.C. metro area and Puerto Rico participating. The calendars can be purchased at the Simon Marketplace located in Center Court near Rogers & Hollands Jewelers in College Mall. \n"I am purchasing 3 calendars today," said Katherine McArdle, a Bloomington resident. "I think they are great gifts for my teachers and classmates that benefit a great cause."\nThe campaign is also being promoted online at http://www.mallsunitedwestand.com, as a sentimental corporate holiday gift. \n"We're proud to be one of more than 415 malls united together to support the families of public safety officers who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C.," said Dena Marietta, Marketing Director at College Mall. "The campaign will only last until all 500 calendars are sold."\nParticipating shopping center owners and managers, including CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., Coyote Management, L.P., Jones Lang LaSalle, The Macerich Company, Richard E. Jacobs Group, The Rouse Company, Simon Property Group, Taubman Centers, Inc., and Westfield America, Inc., also established United for America, Inc., a not-for-profit charity, in October 2001 to serve as the third-party administrator of the "United We Stand" campaign. \nIU junior Ashley Fenton says it is a great opportunity for people to show their national support. "We tend to forget about efforts toward recovery in New York and other areas affected by terrorism, because we are so far from the actual tragedies," said Fenton. "This campaign is an opportunity for us to contribute directly to our nation." \nDonations can also be made to United for America by calling 1-877-MALLSUS, visiting the website at www.mallsunitedwestand.com or by stopping at the Simon Marketplace in Center Court.